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Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 80 reviews

Cranberry Orange Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender, seared chicken breasts or thighs with a tangy-sweet sauce made from fresh cranberries, orange zest and juice, honey, and herbs. This skillet-cooked meal is perfect for a cozy dinner, delivering a beautiful balance of savory and fruity notes with an easy-to-follow cooking method.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 4 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup Fresh Cranberries
  • 1 whole Orange (zested and juiced)
  • 2 tbsp Honey or Maple Syrup
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 clove Garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme or Rosemary (dried can substitute with half the amount)
  • 1/2 cup Chicken Broth or Water
  • 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar (optional)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken pieces evenly with salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme or rosemary. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sear the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the fresh cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and honey. Stir and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Cook the Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth, and optionally add balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard for depth of flavor. Cover the skillet and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is thoroughly cooked.
  5. Serve: Plate the chicken and generously spoon the cranberry-orange sauce over the top. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or orange zest if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture. Frozen cranberries can be used but may result in a slightly different consistency.
  • Zest the orange before juicing to maximize the fresh citrus flavor in your sauce.
  • Adjust sweetness with honey or maple syrup according to your taste, especially to balance the tartness of cranberries.
  • Optional ingredients like balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard add complexity but can be omitted if preferred.
  • Letting the chicken rest after seasoning enhances flavor absorption; don’t skip this step.

Keywords: Cranberry Orange Chicken, Cranberry Sauce, Skillet Chicken, Easy Dinner Recipe, Fall Recipes, Chicken with Fruit Sauce

Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/cranberry-orange-chicken-recipe/